Elden Ring Tarnished Edition Launches Today on Nintendo Switch 2 With New Classes and Torrent Customization

FromSoftware’s Massive Open-World RPG Finally Arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 as the Tarnished Pack Also Expands Existing Versions

The Tarnished Edition includes the original Elden Ring, Shadow of the Erdtree and additional content such as new starting classes, new weapons and customization options for Torrent, the player's spectral mount.

At the same time, Bandai Namco has released Patch 1.17 for the existing PlayStation, Xbox and PC versions of Elden Ring. The update prepares the game for the separate Tarnished Pack, which launches on those platforms on the same day.

That makes August 28 an important day for Elden Ring players across multiple platforms, not just Switch 2 owners.

Elden Ring Finally Makes Its Nintendo Debut

Elden Ring has been available on PlayStation, Xbox and PC since its original 2022 release, but Nintendo players have had to wait considerably longer to explore the Lands Between.

The Switch 2 version changes that.

Nintendo's official listing confirms that Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition launches on August 28, 2026, specifically for Nintendo Switch 2.

The edition contains the complete base game together with the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion.

That means new players aren't receiving a stripped-down version of the experience.

They can enter the Lands Between, complete the original adventure and then continue into the Realm of Shadow through the expansion.

For a game of Elden Ring's scale, getting the entire experience onto a portable console represents a significant technical challenge.

Recent reviews of the Switch 2 version have generally praised the port's ability to preserve the game's large-scale experience while making visual and performance compromises appropriate for the hardware.

What Is Included in Tarnished Edition?

The Switch 2 edition includes three major components.

First is the original Elden Ring.

Second is the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion.

Third is a collection of new content that expands character customization and the game's starting options.

Bandai Namco's official information confirms that the new content includes additional starting classes, new weapons, new armor and customization options for Torrent.

This makes Tarnished Edition more than a simple platform conversion.

Returning players on other platforms can also access the new additions through the separately sold Tarnished Pack.

Two New Starting Classes Arrive

One of the most notable additions is the introduction of two new starting classes.

The new classes are called the Idus Knight and Heavy Knight.

Players choosing these options can begin their adventure with different starting equipment and abilities.

Importantly, Bandai Namco says the equipment associated with these classes can also be obtained later through merchants or by finding it in the world.

That means the classes don't permanently lock specific equipment away from players who choose a different starting option.

For new players, the additional classes offer another way to approach character creation.

For experienced Tarnished, they provide another starting configuration for a fresh playthrough.

That could make the new content particularly interesting for players who have already completed Elden Ring multiple times and want a different opening setup.

Torrent Finally Gets Customization Options

Torrent is one of the most recognizable parts of Elden Ring.

The spectral steed allows players to travel rapidly through the Lands Between, reach difficult locations and participate in certain combat encounters.

Tarnished Edition adds a new way to personalize the mount.

Players can unlock three different Spectral Steed Attires for Torrent.

The available options include:

Tree Sentinel Spectral Steed Attire
Silver of Caria Spectral Steed Attire
Funereal Night Spectral Steed Attire

Each one changes Torrent's appearance.

Bandai Namco says the attires can be found in different parts of the Lands Between, including Stormveil Castle, Liurnia of the Lakes and Altus Plateau. Once an attire is obtained, players can change Torrent's appearance through the Site of Grace menu.

The feature doesn't fundamentally change Torrent's abilities.

Instead, it gives players a new cosmetic customization option that can make a familiar companion feel more personal.

Tarnished Pack Also Arrives on Existing Platforms

The Switch 2 edition isn't the only way to access the new content.

Players who already own Elden Ring on PlayStation, Xbox or PC can purchase the Tarnished Pack separately.

The pack adds the same new classes, weapons and Torrent customization content to supported existing versions.

This is important because FromSoftware and Bandai Namco aren't leaving existing players behind while launching the new Nintendo version.

Instead, the new content is being introduced across the broader Elden Ring ecosystem.

The Tarnished Pack became available on August 28.

Patch 1.17 Is Required for Online Play

Bandai Namco also released Elden Ring Version 1.17 on August 27.

The update prepares the game for the Tarnished Pack and introduces several balance changes and bug fixes.

The patch is required for online play.

The update includes changes to several incantations.

Feather of the Divine Bird receives increased power.

O, Flame! receives an expanded attack range.

Rain of Fire receives increased power.

There are also PvP-specific balance adjustments.

For example, Rakshasa's Great Katana has been adjusted so that players take more damage while attacking with it.

Several incantations, including Rugalea's Roar and the Rotten Breath/Ekzykes's Decay family of attacks, have also received PvP changes.

These changes mean today's Elden Ring launch is accompanied by a broader gameplay update.

New Invasion Events Add More Content

The Tarnished content also introduces additional NPC encounters.

Bandai Namco has confirmed a new NPC invasion event in Caelid.

Another invasion event takes place in Leyndell, Royal Capital.

However, the Leyndell encounter will not occur once the area has transformed into Leyndell, Ashen Capital.

These additions may appear small compared with an expansion such as Shadow of the Erdtree, but they provide new interactions for players exploring the original game world.

For veteran players who already know many areas of Elden Ring extremely well, new encounters can provide a reason to revisit familiar locations.

Shadow of the Erdtree Comes With the Switch 2 Edition

The biggest value proposition of Tarnished Edition is still Shadow of the Erdtree.

The expansion takes players beyond the original Lands Between and into the Realm of Shadow, introducing a large new area filled with new enemies, bosses, weapons, abilities and story elements.

For players who have never experienced Elden Ring, having the base game and expansion together creates a massive package.

It also means Switch 2 owners aren't simply receiving the original 2022 game years after its initial release.

They are getting the broader Elden Ring experience in one edition.

Bandai Namco's official description confirms that the expansion is included with Tarnished Edition.

How Does the Switch 2 Version Perform?

Performance has been one of the biggest questions surrounding Elden Ring on Switch 2.

The game was previously delayed after FromSoftware said it needed additional performance adjustments.

Now that the game has launched, early reviews suggest that the port successfully delivers the large open-world experience on Nintendo's newer hardware, although there are compromises compared with more powerful systems.

Reviews have highlighted the value of being able to play Elden Ring in handheld mode while retaining the game's core open-world experience.

Some reports also note occasional performance fluctuations.

That is not entirely surprising considering the scale of the game.

Elden Ring features enormous outdoor areas, dense environments, complex enemy encounters and large boss battles.

Running that experience on a portable system requires careful technical compromises.

The important point is that Switch 2 players can now experience the game without relying on a streaming service or another console.

Elden Ring Has Become a Massive Global Success

The Switch 2 launch comes after years of extraordinary success for Elden Ring.

Bandai Namco's official material now lists the game at more than 28 million copies sold worldwide, while Nintendo's listing references more than 30 million copies sold.

The discrepancy comes from different official listings and should not be interpreted as a precise new sales announcement today.

Either way, the scale of Elden Ring's success is clear.

The game became one of FromSoftware's biggest releases and introduced its challenging action-RPG formula to an even broader audience.

The Nintendo launch could now expose the game to another group of players who primarily use Nintendo hardware.

Why the Switch 2 Launch Matters

Elden Ring arriving on Switch 2 is significant beyond one game's release.

Nintendo's hardware has historically had a different relationship with major third-party action RPGs.

A game as large as Elden Ring demonstrates how modern third-party releases can potentially reach Nintendo's newer hardware without being redesigned into a fundamentally different experience.

It also gives Switch 2 owners access to one of the most influential action RPGs of the generation.

For FromSoftware, the port expands Elden Ring's reach.

For Nintendo, it strengthens the Switch 2's growing third-party lineup.

And for players, it creates another way to experience the Lands Between.

Confirmed Information

The following details are confirmed:

Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition launches on Nintendo Switch 2 on August 28, 2026.
The edition includes the original Elden Ring.
Shadow of the Erdtree is included.
Two new starting classes are included.
The new classes are Idus Knight and Heavy Knight.
New weapons and armor are part of the additional content.
Torrent receives three new appearance customization options.
New NPC invasion events are included.
The Tarnished Pack is available separately on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC.
Patch 1.17 supports the new content.
Patch 1.17 includes gameplay balance changes and bug fixes.
Patch 1.17 is required for online play.

Rumors / Speculation

The following should not be treated as confirmed:

Future Elden Ring expansions beyond the announced content.
A new Elden Ring sequel.
Specific future Switch 2 performance improvements.
Additional undisclosed character classes or Torrent cosmetics.
Any unannounced FromSoftware release dates.

Players should rely on Bandai Namco and FromSoftware for future content announcements.

What Existing Players Should Know

Existing Elden Ring owners don't need to purchase the entire Tarnished Edition to access the new content.

The Tarnished Pack is available separately for supported versions.

The new content also doesn't replace Shadow of the Erdtree.

It sits alongside the existing Elden Ring experience and adds additional equipment, classes, cosmetic customization and encounters.

Players should first make sure their game has been updated to Version 1.17 before attempting to access the new content, particularly if they want to continue playing online.

For Switch 2 players, the situation is simpler because the Tarnished Edition packages the base game, Shadow of the Erdtree and the additional Tarnished content together.

Conclusion

Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition is officially available today on Nintendo Switch 2, finally bringing FromSoftware's massive open-world action RPG to Nintendo's current-generation hardware.

The release includes the original game, Shadow of the Erdtree and new content such as the Idus Knight and Heavy Knight starting classes, new equipment and three customizable appearances for Torrent.

At the same time, PlayStation, Xbox and PC players can access the new Tarnished Pack through the game's latest update.

Patch 1.17 also introduces balance changes, new invasion events and several bug fixes.

The most interesting part of today's release is therefore its broader reach.

Nintendo players can finally experience the Lands Between on Switch 2, while existing players receive a new reason to return to the game.

After more than four years of Elden Ring dominating conversations around modern action RPGs, the Tarnished is now making one of its biggest platform moves yet.

For Switch 2 owners who have been waiting to enter the Lands Between, that wait is officially over.